Question

both cellular respiration and the burning of fossils fuels release energy. this can be attributed to
a the breaking of bonds during oxidation.
b the reduction of carbon to carbon dioxide.
c the formation of bonds in new organic compounds.
d the hydrolysis of water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen.

Explanation:

Both cellular respiration and burning fossil fuels are processes where energy is released. In cellular respiration, glucose (a high - energy - containing molecule) is oxidized, and the bonds in glucose are broken. When fossil fuels (like hydrocarbons) are burned, the bonds in the hydrocarbon molecules are broken. Breaking bonds in these energy - rich molecules releases the stored chemical energy.

Option B: The reduction of carbon to carbon dioxide is not the main reason for energy release in these processes. In fact, carbon in fuels or in glucose is oxidized to carbon dioxide, not reduced.

Option C: The formation of bonds in new organic compounds would require energy input (endergonic process), while these processes release energy (exergonic), so this is incorrect.

Option D: The hydrolysis of water into oxygen and hydrogen is not related to the energy release in cellular respiration or fossil fuel burning. These processes involve the oxidation of organic molecules, not water hydrolysis.

So the correct answer is A as the breaking of bonds during oxidation (of glucose in respiration, of hydrocarbons in fossil fuel burning) releases energy.

Answer:

A. the breaking of bonds during oxidation.